A couple of days went by, giving everyone time to recover, and then the trial resumed, much to Christine's and Nathan's chagrin. Before the proceedings were called to order, Capri nodded to Brett Halden.

Brett changed Nathan back to normal, and then Capri did the same for Christine. After that, the proceedings resumed, continuing where they'd left off with the last portions of evidence regarding the deaths of Keith Halden and Clarissa Tompkins Halden, and Nathan's attempts to locate their children afterward.

Then it was time to move on, and the subject now was Nathan's attempts to locate Shirlee Catlin after she'd disappeared from his house in California. This was followed by the accounts of the August 1974 plane crash, and how Nathan had manipulated evidence to make it appear as though Shirlee had been among the victims.

Donna glanced over to Shawn and Shirlee as this part was read, she knew this was going to be as hard for them as the earlier session describing Shirlee's rape had been. She reached over and gave Shawn's hand a reassuring squeeze.

Shawn tried to smile back at her, but couldn't keep from glowering at Nathan as the testimony continued. Those coming forward now were members of Shawn's band, as well as several girls who'd been at the mansion between May 1999 and January of this year, all describing various firings and abuses Nathan had committed while posing as Shawn.

Then it was Shawn's turn to testify, followed by the mage who Nathan had tricked into switching himself with Shawn.

That set off an outburst from Tracy Hannah, and she and Capri began arguing, which in turn set off NT. The resulting shouting match and exchange of insults led to both Tracy and NT being removed from the courtroom.

This was followed by more testimony from Shawn, Shirlee, and then--after Tracy and NT had been allowed back into court--more testimony from Ariel.

Donna and several others, among them Kendra, left the courtroom then, at Capri's request.

In the hallway, though the door was closed, they could hear the moans and hisses of those spectators who'd remained as the tape was shown--the one that'd been made when Nathan, posing as Shawn, had attacked first Miranda and then Ariel.

But then the noise rose in volume and Donna realized it was more than that, people were shouting, and then the sounds of a fight were heard.

Donna wanted to go back and see what was happening, but Kendra wouldn't let her.

She glanced desperately around for someone to help, and that was when Pippi went inside, reassuring them she'd see what the problem was.

A short while later, it was all sorted out, and Capri dismissed court for the day. Donna sighed--this meant it'd likely be her turn tomorrow, and as much as she knew she had to do this, she wasn't looking forward to it.

* * * * *

When court reconvened, in the morning, the subject was the Shelley family, and all Nathan had done to them and others. Rebekah was called back to the stand to name the mage who had helped her escape Nathan. She stated his name had been Richard Shelley. When she stepped down, Capri advised everyone to keep that name in mind.

Donna looked at Kendra, whose eyes had gone wide on hearing that name. Kendra leaned over and whispered something to Donna that only she could hear. Donna glanced from Kendra to Nathan, then turned back to watch the proceedings, shaking her head.

More communications back and forth from Christine and Nathan were read out, along with more entries in their diaries.

There were several letters in the latter half of 1986, dealing with Nathan and Christine plotting to `deal with' a mage by the name of Richard Shelley. Nathan wished to teach this man a lesson about meddling in his (Nathan's) personal affairs. The documentation showed Nathan had Christine investigate Richard Shelley's family, and this was followed by several more letters, dated around 1987, making reference to Alexander Shelley--who was identified as Richard's nephew--and how `uncooperative' he was being. Christine made several comments about how this could easily be dealt with, and that Nathan should watch the news.

Then the newspaper clippings concerning the sudden death of Alexander Shelley, from what was described as a heart attack, were read into evidence.

Kendra sniffled and tried not to start crying at this. Donna put an arm around her, and glared daggers at Nathan and Christine.

The reading continued, with more notes, letters, and newspaper clippings, all relating to the deaths of other Shelley family members between 1989 and 1998, and how Nathan bought up their property bit by bit over the years.

Kendra stifled a gasp. Donna continued trying to comfort her, though she was close to tears herself.

Next to be read into evidence were a series of reports from detectives who had been paid to keep Kendra Shelley under close surveillance from the time she left Alexander's house up to when she went to prison.

Kendra's eyes narrowed. "What the *hell*...?" she shot an outraged look in Nathan's direction.

Donna paled.

More notes were read, these were about how Donna's magic had been detected shortly after her 13th birthday. More notes described how Kendra had come up on the murder *and* embezzlement charges two months later.

"My God--were you watching us the *whole* *time*??" Kendra cried, glaring at Tompkins.

Donna went whiter than she already was. "It sounds like it..damn you!" she cried to Nathan.

Nathan only raised an eyebrow, as if surprised Kendra would even ask, or that Donna was at all surprised.

The custody orders for Donna were also read, they were dated as having gone into effect June of 1999. The signatures on them were those of Judge Joseph Chalmers, Family Court, as presiding judge, Kendra Shelley as the natural parent, and Nathan Tompkins and Christine Taylor Benson as joint guardians of the then thirteen year old Donna.

Capri then addressed the spectators. "All right, at this point I'm goin' ta call in another witness, who couldn't get 'ere before now 'cause of 'avin ta finish with other cases. That doesn't really matter, though, 'cause this's the part 'e's concerned with." She whispered something to Madonna.

"The court calls Judge Joseph Chalmers." Madonna announced.

Donna and Kendra exchanged looks of surprise, then Donna whispered to NT. "What's he doing here--like that paper said, he's the one who sent me to live with Tompkins!"

"Why's Capri bringing *him* in here?" Kendra asked.

NT was just as surprised, having not known about everything Capri, Megan, Pippi, and Ameh had been working out. "M-maybe she's going to make sure he's set straight - I-I don't know." NT whispered back. "But I know she wouldn't let him or anybody else threaten you, that's for sure."

The door opened and a tall white haired man, about fiftyish, entered. Madonna directed him to the witness chair and swore him in. Then, the questioning began.

"Judge Chalmers, first, what's yer current position?"

"Pope County Family Court, Golconda, Illinois."

Capri nodded. That had only been to get his position on record.

"Judge Chalmers, what's yer connection ta Nathan Tompkins an' Christine Benson?"

"They volunteered to assume custody of Donna Shelley, while her mother served a prison sentence for embezzlement."

Capri nodded. "Judge Chalmers, when ya first 'eard about these proceedins, ya asked me why was Donna no longer in Tompkins an' Benson's custody. I invited ya 'ere so ya could hear th' answer ta that question. You may now step down, an' b'fore ya leave this court today, I'll 'ave you updated on everythin else, right up ta the sickness that delayed these procedins three days. Please stop by my desk on yer way out after dismissal."

The judge nodded and took a seat among the spectators.

For a moment, Capri looked relieved. But then it came time for Donna's testimony. Capri tried once more to spare Donna from testifying. "OK you two, we already know what these...(pointing disgustedly in Nathan's and Christine's direction)...are capable of. I don't think you should testify anyway, Donna, it's too 'ard on you both."

But Donna looked at her, then at Kendra. "Damn it *no*. I've got to say it or...or I'll never stop being afraid of them." She shook a finger at Nathan and Christine. Then, looking back at Capri, she said, "I just...don't want her to hear it." Donna glanced at Kendra, who was crying.

"Donna...please. I...I want to help you get th-through this...I'm your *mother* for godsakes."

Capri, looking almost as if she was in some kind of pain, finally had to give in to them both. "If yer both that sure, I guess I ain't got no choice. (sigh) Court calls Donna Shelley."

Donna gave Kendra a hug, then walked to the witness stand.

Then, as gently as possible, Capri began questioning her.

And the whole story spilled out. Night after night when Nathan had raped her, and used magic to torture her as well. Christine and all sorts of twisted experiments involving magic, sex, and sometimes even drugs. Along with this, how they had made Donna participate in thefts, kidnappings, and numerous other crimes. The whole thing sounded like some sort of supernatural porno movie, but for Donna it hadn't been a movie, it had been all too brutal reality.

"Damn, damn, damn!" Ameh seethed, albeit quietly, and Pippi kept looking at her and back at Donna, making sure they would both get through this.

Pippi was absolutely sickened, but she had to hold out for Donna and Ameh.

Kendra was crying as well, so hard she didn't even notice who was it that handed her some Kleenex.

NT too, was having trouble staying calm, and Ariel, teary eyed and sickened herself, kept hugging NT and both of them cried in each other's arms.

It was all Donna could do to get through it without crying, but she knew if she gave in to tears she wouldn't be able to finish. Plus she didn't want to give either Nathan or Christine the satisfaction of seeing her cry. They'd gotten more than enough of that from her already.

Even Capri couldn't hide her disgust and outrage, although she didn't say anything, it showed in her intense dark eyes that threatened to glaze over with tears at any moment.

Nathan and Christine didn't show any emotion at all. When they were questioned and none too gently either, Christine shook her head. "We had to find out as much as we could about her talents, the better to teach her their...proper...use." The self satisfied look never left her face, or Nathan's.

Ameh hissed and made a rude gesture at them.

Nathan chimed in then, with, "She is, after all, almost a woman. It was my duty as her legal guardian to properly...educate...her."

"Educate her???" Kendra cried, leaping from her seat before anyone could stop her. "You *raped* her! Not to mention all the other things! Damn you! I trusted you and *this* is what you did to her?? Not to mention what you did to everyone else. Me. Alex. The rest of his family for Godsakes. Alex was worth a thousand of you--you're not fit even to sweep the dust under his feet and you..." she struggled for the right words, so angry and wanting to cry both at once and not wanting to let him see the latter.

"Right!" NT exclaimed and clapped, and Ariel shushed her.

"Damn straight." Ameh muttered under her breath.

"My baby--my little girl. Look at her. Alex never got to see her take her first steps. Or start talking. He won't be there when--God willing--she marries some decent man. And it's all your fault!" Kendra continued to scream at Nathan.

Capri nodded looking a bit misty eyed.

Ariel too, cried, along with many others there.

Kendra cried so hard she wanted to go on railing but couldn't. "I...I hope there is a hell! And I hope you burn in it!!"

Capri nodded at her.

"Are you quite finished, madam?" Nathan asked icily.

"Shut up, bugger!" NT yelled to Tompkins.

"Shhhh," whispered Ariel, though she was just as mad at Nathan.

"You know very well who's gonna be 'quite finished' an' it ain't her!" Capri glowered at Nathan, Then she went over to Kendra and put a strong arm around her. "Ya gonna be alright?"

Kendra just cried. "Just get him away from me. Get him away before I kill him myself." Kendra sobbed into Capri's arms.

Nathan glared at Capri but remained icily expressionless otherwise.

Christine kept the same icy cold expression, and all of a sudden it was more than Donna could stand. The pent up rage and pain and grief was too much for her, the magic rose up within her and she threw some at Christine, sending her reeling backwards for a moment.

But Christine recovered quickly. "I see you've forgotten some of what I tried to teach you, my dear." she said coldly. "Perhaps you need a bit of a...reminder." With that, she hurled a spell at Donna.

A spell which had no apparent effect. Christine stared at Donna. "What..?"

Ameh guffawed and Melanie shrieked with laughter, clapping her hands.

"Losing your touch, Christine?" Donna sneered. "Try *this* on for size!" And she hurled more magic at her.

"Donna...!" Kendra cried, but the girl didn't hear her. "Someone stop her...please..." she wailed to the nearest person, who happened to be Pippi.

"Let it be, she needs to do this. We won't let it go too far." Pippi reassured. "well done, Donna! She raised her voice in support.

"Go for it Donna! Give it to 'er!" NT shouted.

Even Ariel cheered Donna on. "That's the spirit!"

"Yeah, ah, right!" Capri too, joined in.

Christine's expression was no less icy, white hot with anger. "You need another lesson in obedience and respect, child." And she let loose with a stronger spell. This one, she knew, would have Donna screaming in agony--it always had before.

To Christine's surprise, this one, too, had no effect.

"What in the *hell*..." Christine snarled. "You *are* blocking me! You're *not* supposed to be able to do that!"

Ameh got up out of her seat and edged forward, she was positively gloating, laughing in the face of Christine's defeat. "Give 'er hell, Donna!" And Ameh, this time, was ready for any attack Christine might launch, as she had adjusted her own magic immunity.

"I told you you'd never control my magic again!" Donna cried. "Take *that*...!" And a third time she hurled magic at Christine.

"Donna..." Kendra wailed, her cries still falling on deaf ears, Donna was so intent on Christine that she didn't hear anyone else.

Capri did nothing to interfere until Nathan stood up, looking as if he was about to do something if only he could.

Ameh sent him sprawling with a magic blast though, and then Shawn and NT got up and started making their way forward.

That started Shirlee and Ariel both calling desperately to stop them, but neither one seemed to hear.

But interfere Capri eventually had to, before everything fell into complete disarray or someone got hurt. Once again there was a series of blinding flashes of light, accompanied by forceful hits from the gavel.

"All right! Everybody sit down an' shut up, *now*!" Capri ordered sternly, once the light and noise got everyone's attention. "This is a court, not a free-for-all!" She motioned Nathan and Christine to sit back down as soon as they had recovered enough. "Adjourned!" And one more hit of the gavel, and the court was dismissed.

On their way out, both Ameh and NT deliberately passed by Christine and Nathan, spat and turned their backs and walked away.

Lisa dug an arm into Nathan's and none too gently steered him toward the room Capri had indicated. Once he was inside...there being no windows in that particular room, or any other exits except this one, Lisa took up a stance outside the door.

* * * * *

Shortly after this, Donna sent a note to NT.

* * * * *

NT,

please can I come by and hold Mia again? I need something, anything, after today.

(tear stains)

Damn it I had grandparents. Uncles. Aunts. Cousins. I never knew them, any more than I knew my father...I wish Capri hadn't stopped me, I would've finished off Christine and then gone after Tompkins. I still wake up at night expecting to see him standing there looking down at me.*shudder*

God what do I do. I look at Mom and I know this is killing her but I don't know what to say. I didn't want her in there today, why did she have to stay? Why??

Donna

* * * * *

NT wrote back...

* * * * *

Donna,

Yes, please come by, and you can hold Mia. I need to look at you and see you've survived and that you're going to be alright. I was afraid that what they put you through was the same as the stuff they did to Ameh, and what they did to me and my friends last year - only I was lucky enough not to get burned or raped but still...and what was done to some poor kids by a horrid killer half a year before that. and given what Nathan did to Ariel, Rebekah, and Shirlee, I knew this was going to be rough.

I don't think Capri was too keen on stopping you until Ameh started with her attack, and then I came forward. They're all worried I'll take things too far and kill Nathan...And I'm in two minds about that. He should be done away with so he won't hurt anybody else...But it's not supposed to be me who does it. Kendra's probably the same way about you - doesn't want you to kill anybody or get accused falsely of it like she was.

Please come by, I'll be waiting with the little Mia. Ah, wouldn't it be nice to be her? Not a care in the world.

NT

After this letter arrived, Donna hurried out of the room she shared with her mother, and made her way to NT's room. Once there she knocked on the door.

After a moment the door opened and Ariel smiled warmly. "Donna, please come in. I'll put on some more tea, or maybe you'd rather have juice or milk, or lemonade, or cocoa, or ice-tea?"

NT came out of her room but she had been crying and just couldn't get herself to calm down. It had been the same thing after every day of the trial, NT had cried out of horror and mourning over the suffering so many people had been made to endure. Each day after court Ariel would hold her and comfort her the best she could, but often shedding tears of her own, for the same reasons. With each passing trial day NT's depression grew steadily worse and she just couldn't seem to shake it this time.

Ariel had been making her a hot drink when Donna's note had come, so she hadn't read it, and was surprised but very happy to have Donna come over. It would be good for both the girls.

The first thing NT did when she saw Donna was to give her a big hug, and ended up spilling tears on her shoulder as she did so.

"Tea's okay. I...I don't want you going to any trouble." Donna said to Ariel, then hugged NT back, the tears starting to flow for her also.

How Ariel's heart ached for those girls, but if she couldn't un-do the damage Nathan and Christine had done, at least she could give them some reassurance that not everybody was hard and cruel and twisted. She put her arms around both girls and joined in the hug.

After a few moments they disengaged, and all sat down at the kitchen table for a drink.

"Th-thanks for...letting me come over," Donna managed, after a few sips of hot tea had eased the lump in her throat somewhat. "It's just, going over it all today...I had to. I *had* to...but it made all the hurt come back. I know C-Capri didn't want me to...but I had to. I just wish I'd been able to, to keep Mom from hearing it. I c-can't even look at her now without wanting to just...crawl away and..." She couldn't finish, she just looked at the other two in anguish.

NT's eyes grew very stormy again. "But not looking at her and not letting her love you is exactly what those buggers want!"

"NT--" Ariel tried but it was too late.

"Why is it that Nathan always manages to make people think they can't let themselves be loved and supported!?" Christine's made Ameh feel like she wasn't worth loving all these years and what happened wasn't Ameh's fault! And they're still doing that with you!" the dishes rattled in the cupboard and objects began to shake.

Ariel put a hand on NT, and then stood up and walked over to Donna's chair.

"Donna, NT's right. you shouldn't hide, you need your mother's love now, you deserve it, and she deserves a chance to love you too."

Donna shook her head, the tears running down her face.

Ariel continued. "Don't deny her and yourself that chance because Nathan and Christine were such damned selfish, manipulating, conniving, cruel, sick pieces of nothing. Don't you think both you and Kendra--your mother have suffered more than enough?"

Donna nodded, "And...and it doesn't s-stop...it d-doesn't stop!" she wailed.

"Go to her, Donna, she needs you more than ever now." Ariel pleaded, putting a hand on Donna's shoulder. The girl flinched, but Ariel held firm as she continued.. "She wants to help you, I know, I'm a mother too, and there's nothing worse than wanting so much to take away your child's pain even a little, wanting to show her you love her and not being able to reach her because she's feeling too bad and is pulling away."

Donna cried harder.

Ariel went on. "Miranda will always be a daughter to me even if she isn't biologically related. And I guess maybe you feel you can relate better to me because Nathan...abused me too, and believe me, because of that NT has suffered. She's still having to struggle with self worth but I love her more than anything and it makes no difference how she was brought about. And Ken-your mother has already told us, me and Pippi, that she feels like a failure because you won't come to her for support. Donna, she needs you now, she doesn't need you running to somebody else every time you need to talk."

"But don't you understand!" Donna wailed. "I c-can't stand it, the way she l-looks at me! I *know* she's hurting and I don't want that! I never did!!" she burst into a fresh wave of tears. "Th-that's wh-why...that's why I c-can't talk to her. It...it'd only make things worse. That's why I d-didn't want her to know...but now she d-does and..." She shook her head. "No-no matter what I do she--someone--g-gets hurt. That's the--the l-last thing I want."

"Donna, listen." Ariel said gently yet firmly. "we're all hurting because of Nathan. And you'll only hurt yourself and your mother by running. You can not keep this up, girl. I know you don't want to hurt anyone, and *you* haven't. It's what Nathan did to you that hurts. It's what he did to your mother that hurts. And if you keep running you'll be separating yourself from her, and that's exactly what he would want."

Donna tried to take a sip of her tea, in a futile effort to stop the sobs.

Ariel continued. "You can't avoid the fact that she's hurting, but she needs you at her side, letting her know you love her and need her, *especially* now. Look, NT can't stand it when I cry, or when anyone cries really, it hurts when she feels like she can't help. And I've felt the same way more times than I care to remember. Compassion and caring about people sometimes really hurts but it's also the most wonderful feeling when you know you've reached out to someone or let them reach out to you. NT doesn't run away, she reaches out to at least try and comfort. But when she's feeling too weak, she lets me or you, or someone who cares, comfort her. You'll never make the hurt for yourself or your mother go away by staying away."

Donna took a ragged breath, trying to go on through the sobs. "Sooner or later--I'll end up j-just like them--that's what he said--and I *won't*! I'd rather die!!"

"Donna, you could be no more like those psychos than NT. no matter what he told you. He tried telling Miranda the same thing, but she's not like him at all. and you and NT are as far from being like Nathan and Christine as anybody can get, no matter how many times they've tried telling you otherwise in the past. and look at Melanie, she's obviously no Christine, neither is Ameh, even though Ameh has some...problems, she might be quite antagonistic and even hostile at times but she's just troubled, not bad. and you know I was Nathan's captive for 12 sorry years but I didn't become like him at all, even though he exploited me and my magic."

"But it isn't just in the past! Nathan spoke to me just before Lisa Halden took him away." Donna spluttered. He said that I could protest all I wanted but that I'd still become just like him in the end!" Donna shook, shuddered and sobbed in Ariel's arms as she recalled Nathan's self-satisfied, smug, sneering face, and his piercing words, ~"Protest all you like, Donna. But in the end, you will become me."

"Capri is going to hear about this! Ariel's eyes grew very stormy. "And don't you believe a word of what Tompkins says! He's victimized you so much, you can't let him win by believeing that - it simply isn't true!"

But Donna was lost in a tidal wave of fear and self disgust, and didn't even seem to hear Ariel. "Dammit dammit dammit!" she cried out and sobbed hysterically. Some objects began to fly. "I just want to die, it would be better than being like him and hurting everybody I touch!"

"Alright, settle down now, shhhhh, just calm down." Ariel held her firmly just as she had done so many times for NT. "Donna..." She tilted the girl's head up a little and looked into her eyes. "Now, listen to me. If you were going to become anything like him, it wouldn't scare you so much."

Donna could only gaze up at Ariel, the tears streaming.

Ariel went on. "No matter what they said, you are still a beautiful little girl, and you are Kendra's little girl and nothing, *nothing* is going to change that. I know you feel anything but beautiful now, but you have to learn to give yourself what Nathan and Christine denied you, a chance. A chance to be yourself and learn to accept yourself, and I know that doesn't happen over night. But I'll always be here, and so will NT, and pippi and Capri, and even that little Mia - she likes you. and if an animal like Mia likes you, you are something special. Donna, please go back to your mother and be with her while you still can. They let her out of prison so she could be here for the trial, and most importantly, for you. if we can't get that conviction overturned or get her released on bail, you won't get much of a chance at all before she goes back."

Donna just clung to Ariel and cried, too broken up to even try to speak.

In the meantime, NT had been unable to compose herself, she had slipped out of the kitchen as quietly as possible and had gone to her room to cry.

When Pippi, Kendra, and Capri got to Ariel's room, Capri tried the door. It wasn't locked, so she opened it and went in. She nodded at the others who followed suit, Kendra holding on to Pippi for support.

The sight that greeted them was a mournful one. At first glance anyone might think it was Ariel comforting NT, she was talking quietly to her and gently rocking her back and forth, and the girl cried helplessly, clinging to her.

Capri approached the two while Pippi and Kendra hung back for now. "Ya got comp'ny."

Ariel looked up. "Oh, Capri."

Donna jumped. She looked up and saw not only Capri, but Pippi, and her mother as well.

Before Donna could even think of retreating, Capri reached out and touched her arm. "An' don'tcha dare zap off again, yer momma's worried sick an' it ain't fair usin magic that way."

Donna only burst into tears again, and Ariel looked helplessly at Capri and Pippi.

Kendra was crying just as hard also. "Donna...please..." she held out her arms...

Donna couldn't move, couldn't do anything but stand there and weep helplessly. With Capri holding on to her, she couldn't transport herself away--well, she could, but from Capri's tone she knew that wouldn't be a good idea. She was praying as hard as she could for the floor to split open and swallow her whole...but it remained as stubbornly solid as ever. Too distraught to speak, she simply remained frozen where she was, crying.

"Go ahead, Kendra," Pippi whispered, "A hug can't do any harm."

Kendra reached out, and Capri gave Donna a nudge, nodding at Kendra.

"Thanks," Ariel mouthed. Aloud, she said, "I'll go check on NT." And with that, she quietly slipped away and into another room.

Pippi looked at Capri and breathed a sigh of relief as Kendra and Donna gave in to their love and embraced, but they were still both crying very hard.

Capri took a seat wearily at the kitchen table, and Pippi remained standing not far from the door.

For a while that was all either Kendra or Donna could do, just hold each other and cry.

Then Donna managed to get a few words out. "I...I n-never wanted you...to know." she whispered. "I th-thought...it'd be easier if you...still thought I was what I used to be. Before all th-this. That's why...I never said anything wh-when they'd let me write. I didn't want you to know...what I was t-turning myself into...no better than the, the girls who s-sell themselves on the streets. And I'd keep t-telling myself it was for you. It *was*!"

Kendra shook her head, the tears streaming unchecked. "If you m-mean my daughter...you'll always be that. No matter what." she said fiercely and hugged Donna tighter. "And the rest...the rest doesn't matter. I mean, it does, but he'll pay for all of it." She glanced to Capri, her eyes a silent plea for reassurance.

"Damn straight 'e will," Capri replied vehemently. "An' somethin else Donna. ya didn't do all that fer yer mom, ya were forced ta do it fer them scumbags, it ain't like they gave ya any choice."

"Except do or risk something terrible happening to Kendra no doubt. What a couple of Gestapos they are." Pippi said.

"You got that right." Capri agreed.

"He m-made me, yes," Donna replied, "but that's *why* I d-didn't just...run away. I wanted to so many times. But he'd...he'd let you get ch-charged with that murder again if I had. He said as much and *that* I did believe. You...you would, too, if you'd seen how he looked when he s-said it." She took another deep breath, then went on. `Remember your mother, my dear. And remember what will happen to her, if I should become...displeased'." she said, mimicking as best she could Nathan's usual supercilious tone.

"Damn him!" Kendra cried. "Using me to get to her. How sicker can you get than that." She stepped back from Donna, but only so that she could turn to look at Capri and Pippi. However, she held Donna's hand tightly, keeping the contact they both needed.

"Typical!" Capri snapped. "But listen 'ere, 'e ain't got no 'old on ya no more, er anybody else."

Pippi shook her head. "Forcing people into all kinds of ultimatums nobody deserves to face - ultimatums that are cruel enough to kill a person on the inside. Christine and Nathan would've fit right in the Nazi scene."

Capri rolled her eyes. "Tha's right, they would. But they won't be forcin anybody ta make choices they don't want any more, it's over fer them."

Donna sniffled. "Is it?" she shook her head. "I...I'm not so sure."

Kendra stared at her, squeezing Donna's hand harder by way of reassurance. "What does that mean? He's not getting out of this! He's *not* if I have to kill him myself!"

"You'll 'afta get in line." Capri said gruffly.

Donna opened her mouth, as if to reply, but all that came out was another choked sob. She looked away, unable to meet Kendra's eyes.

They could hear Ariel in NT's room, talking quietly, and the occasional outburst from NT as she said how she couldn't take another day of Nathan's presence anywhere, and how futile she felt to relieve the profound suffering she saw all around her.

After a moment, Capri sighed. "If yer worried 'bout 'im tryin ta get vamped again, that ain't gonna 'appen 'cause 'e an' 'is rotten pal're gonna be gone by this time tomorrow, an' I already took Christine's search magic away enough so she can't bring in any more viruses an' make us all sick again...So yeah, it's over." Capri assured.

"You'll have to work through the effects of what they did and we'll be here to help." Pippi said. "But Capri is right. it does feel like an eternity of waiting, but it won't be long now."

"No!" Donna wailed, tearing her hand out of Kendra's and staring wildly at all of them. "No it's not!! Don't you understand--don't any of you understand?? It'll *never* be over!!" She took a deep breath. "Not unless.. not unless I'm gone too. Because I'd rather be dead than end up like them!"

"Donna!" Kendra wailed, grabbing her daughter by the shoulders...but Donna pulled herself away and continued.

"I'm next don't you understand?? I'm next! `Protest all you like, my dear. But in the end, you will become me'!" Donna sobbed, mimicking Nathan's cold voice again on the last part. "T-that's what he said. Right after c-court today."

Kendra burst into fresh tears and sagged into Pippi's arms.

"What!" Capri roared, tensing and straightening up to full height. Her dark eyes burned and her face became livid with rage. "He's still tryin ta pull this - I s'pose tha's part o' why ya thought you 'ad ta get outa sight too! Well tha's a pile o' rubbish. 'e said the same thing ta Miranda as well an' there ain't no way you'll ever *ever* be like 'im! An' by gosh tha's it - I'll make damn sure 'e won't speak t'ya outside o' court again! I ain't waitin 'til tomorrow, this ends *now!* Meet me back at court in 'alf an hour!"

"But Capri, what about supper?" Pippi asked, taken aback first at the fact that Nathan still managed to bully Donna in this way, and then by Capri's sudden explosion of temper. She was also trying to support a hysterically weeping Kendra.

"Ya can bring food inta court an' eat there. I gotta alert the others. I ain't puttin this of a second longer!" And before Pippi could say any more, Capri turned and slammed out of the apartment.